The Province of British Columbia in Canada has filed a lawsuit alleging opioid drug companies of marketing malpractices that led to an epidemic of addiction.

Filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the notice of civil claim involved more than 40 opioid manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Through the lawsuit, the government intends to recover the high healthcare costs incurred due to the opioid crisis.

British Columbia Attorney General David Eby said: “It’s time opioid drug companies take responsibility for the human and financial toll their products have taken on so many families across British Columbia.

“Drug companies must take responsibility for their role, and need to put the lives of people ahead of profits.”

“In court, we will argue that these drug companies deceptively marketed their products knowing full well the potential consequences, and as a result, British Columbia has incurred great costs.”

The government claims that the defendant companies have considered only their profits but not the public’s health and safety.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants falsely marketed the risks and benefits associated with opioids to prescribers and patients, and in turn caused ‘serious harm’ to the public healthcare system.

The government is planning to introduce the opioid damages and healthcare costs recovery act in order to support the court process of the filing.

This legislation is set to enable the court to review statistical data, budget information and additional population-based evidence of the government’s opioid-related costs.

British Columbia Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy said: “Drug companies must take responsibility for their role, and need to put the lives of people ahead of profits.”

Additional Canadian provinces and territories will be able to join the filing if the court certifies it as a class action lawsuit.

Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving pharmaceutical advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now